Sick, Poor? No thanks.

You already know where I’m going— it’s in the title after all. At this time, I do not support the health care bill. Now before I get into the many reasons why I do not support this legislation, let me spell out the following disclaimers.

I am a small business owner. I am not a Republican. I am not a Democrat. I proudly check the NPA (no party affiliation), when I register to vote for one simple reason— I vote along my ideals and conscious; not along some party mantra. As a general rule, I feel that the government continually mismanages money and our current news media fails to account the statements of government officials to any fact check or truth test.

With that introduction out of the way, I can now describe why I believe our government failed us— as we should expect it to. After all, the Founding Fathers did not want us to depend on our government; and for good reason.

Money, Money, Money

First thing, let’s talk money. The government told us that the new bill will significantly bring down insurance premiums. Sadly, this is wrong. At BEST, the new model brings down premiums $100.00/year. And that’s ONLY if you’re in the “small group family market” or “large group single market.” Individual families will see an increase of $2,100.00/year on their plan. The majority of us will pay either the same, or slightly more for coverage (unless you’re a business).

Let’s remember this: The bill that passed was basically written by America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP). You know AHIP, right? They’re the national organization representing roughly 1,300 health insurance companies.

You can’t turn on the news or walk down the street today without hearing about recessions and lost income. Unless of course, you’re in the business of health care. Since October 2009, health care stocks have risen almost 30%. Our new health care laws, written by the health care industry, requires us to purchase health care insurance from the companies that pooled together and wrote the law. The health care companies also significantly contribute to most of the people who voted for the law as well.

How does this boil down for the middle class? Under the new bill, a family of four living on $66,000 will be paying more than $5,000.00 for insurance premiums and be responsible for another $5,800.00 in out of pocket expenses. Of course, they’re also paying another $16,000.00 in federal taxes. So before any out of pocket expenses, this family has $4,125.00 per month to cover all of their living expenses. Bottom line: Middle class will be paying approximately 9.5% of their income on mandated insurance that will cover approximately 70% of their medical expenses.

The bill was touted to stop medical bankruptcy. But, with this bill there’s an $11,900.00 max on out of pocket fees (on top of premiums). Let’s remember, even in 2009, 62% of the bankruptcies filed were medical related (and 75% of those people had insurance). There’s nothing this bill provides that will financially help an average family that must endure a serious medical problem.

You know, the Revolution started in Massachusetts

Massachusetts implemented their health care reform in 2007 and it’s very similar to our new Federal plan. A “3 years later” review from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 3/4 of Massachusetts’ uninsured had obtained insurance— which is great. Of course, 21% of the population went without needed care because they could not afford it. Also, wait times for seeing doctors increased and health care costs rose.

Massachusetts needed to find many ways to handle the increased health care costs. This included terminating coverage for 30,000 immigrants (legal immigrants with green cards who pay taxes), no longer automatically enrolling low-income residents, and adding $100 million in new fees to private companies.

Of course, with recent Federal overhauls, these same legal immigrants are not entitled to Medicaid or other Federal aid. Nothing says “Welcome to America” better than forcing people to pay taxes and fees for services you then prohibit them from using. Of course, I guess it’s easier to pick on a group of taxpayers that aren’t allowed to vote.

With Massachusetts as the model, we’re in for a great ride.

Let’s wrap it up.

I think the item that bothers me most has to be our Federal Government forcing us to buy health insurance from private companies. I understand the states do this for things like auto insurance — but there’s also a big catch. If I don’t own a car, I don’t need car insurance… How do you do the same for health insurance?

As an American in favor of limited government, any law requiring loss of freedom angers me. Our government passed laws, written by the health insurance companies, requiring us to pay those same companies for health insurance. The much promised transparency for this process never saw sunshine, and sadly there is too much rhetoric going by without adequate investigation by our “free” press.

AT&T, Verizon, 3M and many other large companies have already warned shareholders of profit reduction (in billions) from new health care costs. Our new bill is estimated to cost $1 trillion dollars and from what I can see, not only hits us in taxes— but also in out of pocket expenses.

I’ve had health insurance since I started working full time in 1994. I’ve switched jobs (many times) and have started several businesses along the way. I’ve maintained health insurance the entire time.

This law costs me more while providing me with less. Should I choose to buy better insurance to cover the weak areas, I will be taxed an additional 40% for having a “Cadillac” plan.

So let me ask this: How are you benefiting from this new law?

References/Resources

• Massachusetts Takes a Step Back From Health Care for All (NYT)
• Massachusetts Health Care Reform: Three Years Later (KFF)
• The hype behind the healthcare reform bill (AnnArbor.com)
• Fact Sheet: The Truth About the Health Care Bill (Huffington Post)
• IRS.gov
• AT&T to Book $1 Billion Cost on Health-Care Reform (Business Week)
• An Analysis of Health Insurance Premiums Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (CBO)

Tell me about you.

On a recent trip to Target, I decided to add some compressed air to my cart. Working in electronics, I find compressed air to be almost a necessity. The servers, computers, switches, and other equipment I use routinely need a good “spritz” of compressed air to keep the dust from accumulating.

But I digress.

When I went to check out, my cashier advised that I needed to scan my ID to purchase the compressed air. Not just show her my ID, but rather have my driver’s license scanned into their register. This of course allows Target to scan, read, and store my personally identifiable information. Although just someone’s full name fulfills the criteria of personally identifiable information, a Driver’s License barcode and/or magnetic stripe contains much more. By scanning the driver’s license, Target retains my full name, date of birth, address, gender, race, driver’s license number, license information (restrictions, endorsements), organ donation, and issue date.

First, let’s look at the obvious…

Why does Target need my Personally Identifiable Information?

When I was told that I was required to have my license scanned, I asked very simply, “why?” The cashier told me that Target required my age when purchasing the product. I told the cashier, that I’m almost 40 years old and asked how old I needed to be to purchase the can of compressed air.

While she called her manager (and told her that someone refused to identify themselves), she told me that the age restriction was 18. Let’s face it… I’ve posted pictures here. I’m not mistaken for a teenager. I haven’t been mistaken for a teenager in 20 years. Even though the cashier believed I was over the age of 18, she said she was not allowed to sell my the item without my driver’s license being scanned.

The manager arrived and very abruptly and confidently told me that I was required by law to scan my license. I told her that I knew of no such law and asked her if this was a Florida law or a Federal law? She called her Security team and told me, “the security guy said you can google it.”

I didn’t allow my ID to be scanned and I didn’t get to purchase the item. Incidentally, not once have I had my ID scanned for Alcohol (purchased at Target), R rated movies, or other items that are restricted by age.

Here’s the bottom line

There’s no reason that you should show or give your personally identifiable information to Target. Especially when they do not provide you with any information on how this information will be stored, protected, used, and shared. They did not provide any summary of Fair Information Practices or describe to any degree of cause as to why this information was needed.

The United States of America, at one point, greatly valued personal freedom. Sadly, this doesn’t seem to be the case today. I believe that your personally identifiable information needs to be protected, whenever possible. I don’t let people take my ID and walk away with it, and I won’t let Target scan it in their cash registers.

Instead, I’ll choose to no longer shop at Target.

The best way to keep our skies safe.

So, let’s pretend you’re with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA, created shortly after 9/11, provides security for the nation’s transportation systems. Employing approximately 50,000 people, the TSA “ensures your travels – by plane, train, automobile or ferry – are safe and secure.”

After the recent “incident” (this is what the TSA calls it) where an airline passenger successfully brought an explosive device onto an American bound plane, the TSA initiated new travel directives. Apparently, one of these directives includes the seizing of computers owned by bloggers who discuss the new directives.

Steven Frischling, a well respected photo-journalist, received a visit from several TSA agents who seized his laptop and “promised to return it.” Mr. Frischling recently published directive SD-1544-09-06, which basically described pat-downs and physical inspections on 100% of all passengers (read the full text below). As to why Mr. Frischling posted this memo, he stated:

I received it, I read it, I posted it. Why did I post it? Because following the failed terrorist attack on the 25th of December there was a lot of confusion and speculation surrounding changes in airline & airport security procedures.

We are a free society, knowledge is power and informing the masses allows for public conversation and collective understanding. You can agree or disagree, but you need information to know if you want to agree or disagree. My goal is to inform and help people better understand what is happening, as well as allow them to form their own opinions.

Chris Elliot, a seasoned journalist, also received a visit from the TSA, who presented Mr. Elliot with a subpoena requesting all documents, emails, and faxes concerning TSA Security Directive 1544-09-06. The subpoena, complete with spelling errors, required this information no later that December 31, 2009.

Mr. Elliot advised the TSA agent that he would be consulting his attorney before answering any questions or responding to the subpoena.

What the fuck is wrong with the TSA?

Note: I actually tried to come up with a different phrase for that tagline; I truly did. Every time I think about the TSA investigating bloggers for publishing a government directive, the initial thought springing to my mind is still… “what the fuck???” So, the tag line remains.

In my opinion, the TSA simply does not work. I’ve quoted it before, and I’ll quote it again. One of my personal heros, Benjamin Franklin, said it best:

Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.

After the December 25th “incident,” Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano stated “the system worked.” Let’s think about that. But, let’s also crudely summarize the “incident:”

1. A father calls the US Embassy in Nigeria and says he’s worried about his son’s (Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab) extremist views. (An investigation is started)
2. Much later, Abdulmutallab boards a plane to America with explosive materials.
3. Abdulmutallab unsuccessfully detonates his explosive devise during landing.
4. A passenger on the plane (Jasper Schuringa) jumps on Abdulmutallab (now on fire), tries to put out the fire, and physically restrains Abdulmutallab until he can be handcuffed.
5. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano states “the system worked.”

Unless the system means placing Jasper Schuringa in the same row as someone who has brought an explosive device onto a plane, then I’m at a loss for how the system worked.

Then again, I would not expect anything different. Saying that the system worked was meant, I assume, to make passengers feel safe, and continue flying. This essentially is exactly the entire purpose of the TSA.

The TSA provides only an illusion of security. The liberties you sacrifice to the TSA provide you nothing more than a “feeling” of safety. They are the David Copperfield of security. You leave thinking something magical happened, but it’s just an illusion.

That being said, wouldn’t it be great if instead of a David Copperfield approach, the TSA modeled themselves after Penn & Teller. Talk about a 180. I’d volunteer my bags to Penn & Teller. Those guys are just amazing.

Transparency in Government

My Administration is committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness in Government.  We will work together to ensure the public trust and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. Openness will strengthen our democracy and promote efficiency and effectiveness in Government. — Barack Obama

When someone tries to blow up an airplane, one expects there to be actions against that individual. One should not expect to subject themselves to a physical search by the government simply to board an airplane.

Reporting the actions of the government and publishing the directive that 100% of passengers are to be searched cannot be considered a crime. If anything, it’s the most American action taken since 12/25.

As we head into 2010, I wish everyone a safe New Year’s. I hope you enjoy the Holiday as freely as you wish, and maybe, if you would, take the time to send some support to Chris Elliot and Steven Frischling.

Suggested Readings:

• Flying with Fish’s posting of Security Directive 1544-09-06
• Chris Elliot’s Blog of Security Directive 1544-09-06
• Subpoena sent to Chris Elliot
• Flying with Fish
• NYT: TSA Subpoenas Bloggers, Demands Names of Sources
• Huffington Post: TSA Seizes Computer from Travel Blogger

It’s true… and well, long story short… here’s my FTC disclosure.

In the late 1800′s, after an explosion of immigration to the United States, a new metaphor started circulating — The Meting Pot. Referring to the fusion of different cultures, nationalities, backgrounds, and ethnicities, “The Melting Pot” became part of American culture in the early 1900′s. Although the metaphor intends to help create a national identity, many today see the phrase as antiquated and insulting. People want to keep their heritage, culture, traditions, and not be formed into a new being.

Personally, I like to look at the metaphor differently. I like to believe that the Melting Pot allows you to retain your uniqueness, but at the same time, not segregate you from the plate. Yes, the plate in this “Fred” metaphor is America.

With this extremely long winded introduction, even more so than usual, I want to talk about exclusion, labeling, classification, and Fox News. Wait, Fox News?

First, before all my friends and family start yelling… I do not watch Fox News. Also, I am not a Republican. I’m also not a Democrat (should you want to know). I am a registered voter classified (notice I must be classified) as NPA, or No Party Affiliation. You see, I like to vote for the candidate I like. Sometimes its a Republican. Sometimes a Democrat. And sometimes, it’s none of the above.

“But wait Fred,” you say, “didn’t you mention something about Fox News?”

Recently, the White House has been going to the mattresses† with Fox News. After describing Fox as “not a news network,” the White House through both spokespersons and the President, compared the channel to “talk radio” and well, just basically said they were not a news organization.

I don’t have a problem with this. Although I’d like to see the White House take a “higher stand,” I truly believe that Fox News is harsh on the President and if the President wants to criticize the channel, I honestly could care less. Again, I’d like to think that the White House would be above name-calling, but eso si que es (it is what it is).

But here’s the problem…

Kenneth Feinberg, Special Master for TARP Executive Compensation (aka the “Pay Czar”), provided a round of interviews recently and Fox News was excluded. If not for the actions of ABC, NBC, CBS (and others), Fox News would have effectively been blocked from the interview. The other networks, wisely, told the White House that this action was unacceptable and as CBS Correspondent Chip Reid stated, “All the networks said, that’s it, you’ve crossed the line.”

The White House initially denied blocking access, but in an even more unacceptable response stated through White House spokesman Josh Earnest, “This White House has demonstrated our willingness to exclude Fox News from newsmaking interviews, but yesterday we did not.”

Truly, this is a moment that makes me just want to say… What the Fuck?

I’m extremely glad that we’ve solved the war in Iraq, our economic issues, and have secured the health and wealth of our nation for the next generation. Oh wait, we haven’t? Then why the hell is our government wasting time with a stupid, name-calling, elementary-level war with Fox News?

The first amendment… The FIRST amendment of the constitution is very simple:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

I don’t care if Fox News is biased. I truly think they are. But that’s not the point (I also think other networks can be biased, and I also don’t care). The point, simply, remains that Fox News retains the Freedom to say what they wish. They can speak to their heart’s content, as loudly as they wish, in any manner that they wish. If you don’t like what they say, change the channel. If you disagree, then you can either speak what you feel, argue with them directly, or ignore them.

But do not, do not, do not, DO NOT EVER EVER EVER attempt to stifle their speech. And not providing equal access, in my opinion, clearly attempts to stifle them. Plus, if the White House truly wishes to “exclude” certain members of the press from future “newsmaking” activity, then they should not be in control of our country. Any person that believes its acceptable to exclude members of the press from press activities (for reasons that they don’t like their message) should not be in charge of defending our constitution.

Let’s face it… The media today is a joke. When Michael Jackson died they went ape shit. Anderson Cooper had a feature on what happened to Bubbles the Monkey. And they did this for more than a week. If Fox News wants to criticize the President and the White House, I don’t care. If Anderson Cooper wants find out where Bubbles is living, I don’t care.

Sometimes I even find it entertaining. Heck, I like a good Oberlmann monologue, but I know that he’s biased. Everyone knows he’s biased. He even says he’s biased. And you know what? Olbermann doesn’t get excluded from the White House.

Fred, didn’t you make some comment about the Melting Pot?

I think when we label, we exclude. Saying the Fox News is the mouthpiece of the Republican Party labels them as non-Democratic. Red states. Blue states. Liberals. Democrats. Pro-gun. Pro-Bush. It never stops.

When we make statements like this, we are separating ourselves. Oh, he’s Pro-Bush and we’re not. If I say something critical of Obama, I’m labeled a Republican. Some people reading this right now will assume that I must be “Pro-Bush” because I would criticize the White House.

Those of us LUCKY enough to be living in the United States have the freedom to say and think what we want. We can criticize our government at will. Some of the greatest Americans practiced this freedom regularly.

Getting into this idea that we must classify people by politics, religion, race, region, or any other factor infuriates me. We are who we are. Take us or leave us.

Some of my greatest friends and I disagree on politics regularly. But I love them. They love me. We disagree, we love each other, and we, despite our differences, actively include ourselves in each others lives. That is how I chose to see the Melting Pot metaphor. Despite our differences, we remain a united group. And our differences only help make the group better.

I am a registered No Party Affiliation American, and I vote. I’m neither Democrat nor Republican. I was born in New York City and consider myself Floridian. I am who I am. You can label me however you want. You can hate me, dislike me, or feel anyway you want about me.

But if you try to take away my freedom or my rights, I will fight. And when I fight, I fight to win. I don’t like to fight. I’d rather you just change the channel.

† Going to the Mattresses. Godfather reference. If you don’t get it, please go watch the Godfather. I implore you. Please, please, please watch the Godfather over and over. Nothing bad can happen from this.

Suggested Readings

• Huffington Post: White House’s Fox News Boycott Attempt Prompts Network Revolt
• TPMDC: WH: We’re Happy To Exclude Fox, But Didn’t Yesterday With Feinberg Interview
• NYT: Behind the War Between White House and Fox

Fourth Amendment? Buh Bye

I absolutely hate the sacrifice of freedom in the name of security. Benjamin Franklin once said, “Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.”

I believe in those words and wish we would keep those in mind whenever, without probable cause or due process, the TSA (the government) searches your belongings — like mine were this past week (both checked and carry on).

I do not like it on a plane. I do not like it on a train. I do not like it on a boat. I do not like it with a goat. I do not like being searched Uncle Sam I Am.

Opening my checked bag and finding this neither made me feel safe nor secure.

The Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution:

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

The TSA:

During the inspection, your bag and its contents may have been searched for prohibited items.

I don’t think Benjamin Franklin would be happy.

Read the mailing...

Ever watch Penn & Teller’s Bullshit? Man I love that show. If you haven’t watched Bullshit on Showtime, check it out… it’s great… but I digress, and in the tradition of Penn & Teller…

And then there’s this Asshole…

Meet Jim Risch, United States Senator

I don’t know how I get on these lists, but I get on them. Out of nowhere, Jim Risch sent me a manilla envelope explaining to me how “Big Labor” exploits its members, placing “handpicked candidates” in political power, etc.

I’m no fan of unions (not anti-union, not pro-union, just not union), but this kind of crap is just ridiculous. Anti-Presidential rhetoric doesn’t impress me; no matter who the President or Subject happens to be.

So what I like to do with these propaganda mailings is send it back to them in the postage paid envelope.

Document attached.

Enjoy

I miss my friend.

Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends And in no random order…

qxork.com

So, you ever give out an email address and the person questions the spelling, asks you to repeat the work, or just in someway makes it a non-pleasurable experience? Of course you have… Well, after explaining that it was “m like mary” and “2 r’s in Forrest” for the last time, I decided to get a really small domain with letters that don’t sound like other letters (ie no m, n, c, d, e, t, etc.).

Since there weren’t many 3 or 4 letter domains to be found, the new domain is… q x o r k. “Hi, I’m Fred. Send it to Fred at q x o r k dot com.” Yes, it doesn’t pronounce. Yes it doesn’t mean anything… but also… Yes, it’s easy to say clearly on the first time. There’s not much to the site… think of it as a Fred Posner gateway if you will… with links to my sites and contact information. Check it out at www.qxork.com.

INS

Ah, nothing brings a sense of wonder to me than the effectiveness of our Federal Government. Yeni and I arrived at the immigration center for our Interview, and promptly made our way to the waiting room. After an hour and half wait for our “scheduled” interview (I couldn’t help think how great it won’t be if health care is run by the Feds), we were met by the officer, sworn, and interviewed.

I have to say, it started out pretty aggressively with us being question on why Yeni didn’t move to Florida (which I kind of found sexist, but anyway…) and questioning me with topics such as Yeni’s parent’s names, etc. Again, I would describe the tone as pretty aggressive. Then the questioning started centering around my business activities and I said something about the person working as a 10-99 vs a W2. The officer asked me what a 10-99 was and I kind of started to lose it. I was stating (in my Fred way) that a 10-99 was a basic tax form that anyone should now, let alone a government employee questioning me about business, when I received a “little” kick. Yes, Yeni gave me a subtle little kick and I calmed down a little.

Well, I think the fact that Yeni kicked me and I calmed down kind of proved that we were really husband and wife… or at least I have to say the interview went completely different. All the aggression was gone and long story short… everything is very good.

Cedar Point

My next tattoo

Yeni’s parents came in last Friday and on Sunday (before Labor Day), we joined a great friend from college and headed to Cedar Point. I had never been there and truly looked forward to riding some roller coasters with the wife and in-laws. The crowds were a little large (being labor day weekend and all), but the park was nice. Clearly it’s no Disney, but there’s lots of roller coasters including some very tall and very fast rides.

As we waited in line for the Millennium Force, I became excited. This roller coaster dwarfs others. Besides speeds of 93 mph, 80 degree angles, and a 310 foot climb, the coaster just simple looks amazing. An hour later, we got to the coaster, I sat down, and low and behold… not going to happen. The seat belt simply wouldn’t close. The staff came by during the check, asked me to leave, and I did the walk of shame out.

In hind sight, reading the “exceptional size” notice of Cedar Point may have made the day better. Since I’m a 42″ waist, over 225 pounds, and have a decent sized chest (> 52″), looks like I won’t be going back there for some time. The weight will come down, but not sure how to handle the chest… anyway…

Traveling Man

The Fred Posner America Gives Back Tour is coming your way… with stops in Orlando, New Jersey, Phoenix, and many areas in-between. Come one, come all… details and photos of upcoming travel to follow.

My Administration is committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness in Government.  We will work together to ensure the public trust and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. Openness will strengthen our democracy and promote efficiency and effectiveness in Government. — Barack Obama

Meet the new boss.
Same as the old boss.
— The Who “Won’t Get Fooled Again”

-START RANT-

Today I got irked. Irked as hell and totally cannot understand why more people do not express frustration. Maybe people just gave up. Maybe we’re approaching an American society that doesn’t view democracy and freedom in the same way that our founders dreamed. My state of mind comes from three main sources: taxes, information, and accountability.

Yes, the economy sucks. You know what? It did before. You know what? It will again. Somehow, the world’s survived every economic crisis since the dawn of time to, well simply put, to create the set of circumstances that allowed me to be alive to rant here today.

Growing up, if my parents had given me $20 to buy something at the store I was expected to buy only what I was told. And when I returned home, I was held accountable for the purchase. If I didn’t have enough change, I was asked for the receipt. The bottom line: If I spent money that wasn’t mine, I was held accountable. We need to remember, following my analogy, that we are the parents and the government is a child that needs to be held accountable.

Our federal government, with the Cash for Clunkers program, spent a billion dollars so quickly that they literally cannot understand how it happened. Their response? Triple the money and account for it later.

The reasonable parent would first look over the receipt, make sure the money was spent properly, and then (hopefully) choose one of three logical choices. If the money was spent properly, the parent might choose to give the child more money. If the money was spent properly, the parent might instead choose to say, “ok, let’s wait a bit and then ask me again.” And if the money was not spent properly, the child would be held accountable.

Barack Obama pledged transparency in government and a program initiated under his watch that spends a billion dollars should be transparent. He issued a memorandum committing to unprecedented openness of Government and yet while Obama’s one hand pushes the senate to add $2 billion dollars to the program, his other hand is refusing to show us the receipts. When the Wall Street Journal calls your program “crackpot economics,” it’s time to prove them wrong.

And yet, people don’t care. There’s no outrage. There’s no protests over freedom of information. There’s no… there’s nothing.

I work too damn hard to have my money stolen from me in this way.

Have you actually thought about how much money you spend in taxes? I mean seriously… how much did you give the federal government last year? How much? (Actually think for a minute and think of a number)

If you made $100,000, you gave Uncle Sam more than $20,000 in just income tax alone. If you made $50,000, you gave the feds almost $10,000. Think about it… if you made 50k last year you gave the feds almost TEN THOUSAND dollars.

Now ask yourself this: What was your largest single purchase last year? Was it your taxes? Does your payment to Uncle Sam cost more than your rent or mortgage? Did you get your money’s worth?

My attitude is simple. Taxes are evil. The government continuously mismanages your money, and giving them more money makes you a bad parent. Unless you have looked at the receipts, you are raising a horrible child and should be ashamed of yourself. Stop it. Stop it. Stop it.

Vote no on every single tax increase. I’m certain that if you looked at the receipts, you will find the there is already money available for everything needed. And that when everything needed is paid for, you should have a tremendous amount of change coming back to you.

But this isn’t a rant about just taxes. And yes, I am in favor of removing the income tax completely; replacing it with a national sales tax (aka fair tax). This is a rant about change and lack thereof.

There has been no change. There has been no transparency.

It’s time to hold your government accountable. If you don’t, you’re just as bad as those who make empty promises.

Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss.

People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.

-END RANT-

Benjamin Franklin

I’ve always liked Mr. Franklin. Some think he’s the only non-president on money… but those people probably think Mr. Hamilton was once a president. Anyway, Benjamin Franklin is perhaps my favorite American in history. I love his quotes and many of his thoughts can guide us still today.

Today’s the following Benjamin Franklin quote comes to mind:

It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority.

Which brings us to…

Ann Arbor Parking

Ok, although I’ve lived in Florida for the past 20 years (and love it), my family is traditionally northern in attitude and heritage. Often my love of Florida is mocked with southern jokes and generalizations. And if Florida somehow makes the news, my phone won’t stop ringing. I still get ribbed over Elian Gonzalez, the 2000 election, Terry Schiavo, and more.

But what does Florida have to do with Ann Arbor Parking? Two words: Sunshine Law. The Sunshine Law provides public access to government (no closed doors, let in the “Sunshine”) and Florida takes this very seriously. Besides criminal and civil penalties for violating the Sunshine Law, it has become such a part of Floridan culture that it’s hard to imagine not getting easy access to public information. After all, this is why the news loves Florida. If something happens in the Sunshine State, it happens in the Sunshine.

Enter the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority. This publicly funded group receives their budget from taxes and parking fees. Oh, they also think I’m a security concern.

Yes, even though I have a very clean background (just ask the FBI), the A2DDA thinks I pose a security risk and have blocked my access to their website.

When I look at the list of things that my mom can be proud of, I think:

• Court expert on DUI and Marijuana
• Firearm “incident” in Gainesville
• and now, Security Risk to the Ann Arbor DDA

Thank you DDA for your hard work, and for bringing to mind this other Benjamin Franklin quote:

“We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid”

Which brings us to… (if you want to see more details on Fred vs. the DDA, click here)

Motorcycles

The weather in Ann Arbor warmed up enough to remove the ice and snow from the roads. And it’s been so long since I’ve seen a salt truck that Yeni and I decided to go for a quick ride on Saturday.

It was the first time I was able to ride since December and it took all the stress right from my face, replacing it with a smile.